Lawmakers adjourned the 2018 Legislature, March 10, without, for the first time in over 30 years, extending the session to finalize the state’s budget. Over 1,900 proposed laws and resolutions were introduced during the 60-day session, resulting in 131 House and 129 Senate bills passing and sent to Governor Jim Justice for his consideration in enacting.
WVPA Executive Director Richard Stevens monitored and lobbied over 30 proposals of interest to pharmacists and pharmacies during the session and interim committee meetings. “Responding to the state’s opioid epidemic crisis was a major focus of the session, with major legislation affecting prescribing and dispensing of opioid medications,” he said.
Stevens mailed to WVPA members newly revised Rules for Centralized Prescription Processing, April 21. In part, the new rule identifies responsibilities of the pharmacist in charge and responsibilities of the pharmacy.
WVPA will be sending pharmacists who are members of the Association descriptions of legislation passed and approved by the Governor over the next several weeks. Several changes were made to laws that impact pharmacists, pharmacy interns and technicians.
Here are subjects of interest passing the Legislature: Licensure and Practice of Pharmacist Care, effective April 2, 2018; Revised Rules for Uniform Controlled Substance, effective April 10, 2018; Registration of Pharmacy Technicians, effective April 2, 2018; Revisions to Controlled Substance Monitoring Program, effective April 2, 2018; Revisions to Pharmacist Recovery Network, effective April 2, 2018; Immunizations Administered by Pharmacists and Pharmacy Interns, effecitve March 23, 2018; and Revisions to Collaborative Pharmacy Practice, effective July 1, 2018.
